Help clients with mental illness.

Be a part of the solution for the critical shortage in mental health services as a skilled Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Not only does this career path provide immediate job opportunities, you will gain the skills required to help heal a vulnerable population in need.

Regis University provides an experiential education for hands-on learning in and out of the classroom. Preparation will cover psychotherapeutic skills development and medication management. This includes assessment, diagnosis, planning, intervention and treatment of clients with mental illnesses using a variety of techniques for individuals, groups and families.

Those that complete this certificate will be eligible to sit for the national certification examination administered by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. They are able to enroll on the Colorado Advanced Practice Registry maintained by the Colorado Board of Nursing and will be eligible to obtain Prescriptive Authority (RXN) in the state.

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Program Snapshot

Program Format
On-campus courses

Credits for Completion
26-36 credit hours

Tuition for the 23-24 Academic Year
$965 per credit hour

See cost of attendance

View Full Degree Curriculum and Requirements

Sample PMHNP Classes

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NR 605: Pathophysiology for Advanced Practice

Building on basic anatomy, physiology and pathophysiology, this science-based course utilizes a comprehensive approach to address the underlying principles of disease processes across the lifespan.

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NR 671: Psychiatric Assessment and Psychopathology

Includes the use of tools that guide the development of an accurate diagnosis in order to achieve successful therapeutic outcomes. DSM-5 classifications, differential diagnosis, and behavioral management are foundational.

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NR 607: Pharmacology for Advanced Practice

Studies the mechanisms of action, indications for use, efficacy, adverse effects, monitoring parameters, dosing principles and drug interactions for common drug classes in mental health settings.

How to Apply

To apply to the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner post-graduate certificate program, you will need: 

  • Complete online application through NursingCAS
  • Nursing Master’s degree from an NLN or AACN-CCNE accredited program
  • Official degree-bearing transcripts 
  • Current resume
  • One-page personal statement
  • Three recommendation forms
  • Virtual Interview
    o A select group of applicants will be invited to small Zoom group interviews.

The first step in the application process is to contact an admissions counselor, who can evaluate your prior learning credit, provide information regarding financial aid and tuition assistance and help you through the entire application process. 

Tuition and Fees

Tuition for the 2023-2024 academic year: $965 per credit hour
Total program credits:  25-35
Tuition is one part of the overall cost of attendance, which includes all expenses students may have, including basic living costs. For more information about tuition, fees and your estimated cost of attendance, visit our Cost of Attendance for Adult Undergraduates and Graduate Students page. Tuition and fees are subject to change.

Regis also offers a variety of scholarships, grants and other programs to help you pay for school. Visit Financial Aid for more information.

Important Dates

Application opens: September 1

Application deadline: January 1

Program starts: Early May

A Culture of Excellence

The Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Certificate is offered by the historic Loretto Heights School of Nursing within the Rueckert-Hartman College for Health Professions.